Idaho Businesses And Governor Ready For Asian Trade Mission
Last April, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and and representatives of 15 Idaho companies traveled to China hoping to develop trade relationships. On Friday, Otter and 17 Idaho businesses will head to South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam for a similar mission.
The trade mission targets countries where Idaho companies hope to maintain or forge partnerships, said Megan Ronk, Department of Commerce spokeswoman.
“We didn’t randomly establish where to go,” Ronk said. “Businesses give their input about key markets where there are strategic opportunities and where some support from the governor could make a difference.”
Idaho’s top exports include semiconductors, industrial equipment, precious and semi-precious metals, agricultural commodities and processed food, fertilizers, paper and forest products and personal care products. – Idaho Statesman
Taiwan and South Korea are among the top five countries where Idaho exports go.
As StateImpact reported in February, Idaho exports grew 3.5 percent from 2011 to 2012. More than $6.1 billion worth of Idaho goods went to other countries last year. Food and agriculture production, transportation equipment, and office and home furnishings were the driving forces behind the 2012 export growth.